In the old days, wealthy households often had servants and cooks to fix each meal and bring it into the dining room. A meal usually consisted of more than one course, and it was a family affair that created much ado. Afterwards, the leftover food was cleared off of the table, along with the dishes, and again, there was much traffic between the kitchen and the dining room.
In order to accommodate the traffic, the heavy wooden door that was installed between the kitchen and the dining room swung freely on durable hinges. This way, if a servant's hands were fully carrying a tray that was loaded with food, they could simply push the door open with their arm, back, or hip.
On this type of heavy wooden door, located near the edge, about half way down, you could often see a metal plate. This is commonly called a "door push plate." The purpose of this plate is to provide a place to put your hand so you can push the door open. The push plate protects the wooden door from wear and tear, as well as from scratches and gouges.
Today, you can still commonly see push plates located on the heavy swinging doors on restaurant kitchens. If you have a swinging door between your dining room and kitchen, you probably have a metal push plate too.
If the push plate on your kitchen door is worn, or, if the door doesn't have one, you can easily install a replacement or a new plate in less than an hour's time. You can purchase a push plate at your local home supply store. They usually are a thin, flat, polished brass plate. You can also purchase one that is made of copper, aluminum, or nickel. And, they usually measure about three and a half inches wide, and are fifteen inches long. There are also decorative push plates available if you want a fancier look to your kitchen door. These look like a basic door push plate, but they have decorative, raised up sides.
You need to read and follow the manufacturer's directions when you install a push plate. Basically, though, you'll need a screwdriver and an electric drill with a bit that's slightly smaller in diameter than the screws that are included with it.
Measure the kitchen door -follow the manufacturer's directions- and mark the door with a lead pencil. These plates are placed on a kitchen door at a location where you would normally place your hand to push the door open. Place the push plate on the door where you are going to install it at. Then, use the lead pencil to mark where the four screw holes will be. Usually, the screw holes will be located at each corner of the door push plate.
Remove the push plate and use the electric drill to make starter holes for the screws. Place the plate back on the door and hold it firmly in place. Use a screwdriver to insert the first top screw into place through the plate and into the wooden door. Make sure the plate is lined up straight, then, insert a screw into the bottom. Finally, insert the last two screws with the screwdriver. Make sure the screws are tight, and your door push plate is ready for use!
